I know, it’s only July. The holidays aren’t going to be here for another several months, so why would I write a blog post about yoga teacher gifts? Well, the short answer is that not every recent Yoga Teacher Training graduate has amassed the necessary gear to begin teaching. While these items may not individually be that expensive to acquire, the up front costs of becoming a yoga instructor can add up fast. For that reason, you might consider getting one or more of these as a way of congratulating your friend or family member that has taken the brave step to go out into the world and teach.  If you aren’t sure what a teacher might need, here are a few suggestions:

1. A Yoga Mat – Now, you might be thinking that most budding yoga instructors would have their own mat already. While this is undoubtably true, it could be a great time to replace an old one or upgrade to a mat that is more durable and perhaps non-slip (particularly helpful for hot yoga instructors).
2. Blocks & Straps – Most studios offer some props for instructors and students, but they may be limited or well-used. For that reason, having extra blocks and straps will always come in handy for an instructor.
3. Bolster – Similar to the blocks and straps, you can never have enough bolsters. These are particularly useful for those teaching restorative and Yin Yoga classes.
4. Essential Oils – These are very useful in creating a serene and relaxing atmosphere for students. You might also consider getting a diffuser to go along with the set.
5. A Sound Bowl – Sound bowls emit a very pleasing tone which can be calming for the meditation portion of the a practice. Adding sound therapy to a session can help students find even greater relaxation.
6. Apparel – Instructors will be wearing their practice clothes several times a week so making sure that these are comfortable and breathable is important. Some yoga pants or a moisture wicking t-shirt are great options.
7. Music/Mp3 Player – Relaxing music and/or soundscapes can be the perfect way to set the mood of a yoga class. You might also consider gifting a subscription-based music streaming service, such as Spotify or Google Play.
8. Yoga Cards – A deck of yoga cards can help an instructor develop and customize a yoga class. Plus, they can be taken and used virtually anywhere. Check out my previous post on the Top 10 Yoga Card Decks of 2018 for even more ideas.
9. Liability Insurance – Although not a particularly fun gift to give, it is very important for yoga instructors to carry some form of insurance to protect against potential injury claims. Helping an instructor with the first few months or more on a policy could really ease the financial burden in that initial period of teaching.
10. Business Cards – Marketing yourself as a teacher is a critical part of building a successful yoga teaching practice. Having business cards on hand helps ensure that the instructor’s contact information is available to handout at all times.

Whether you are looking for future birthday/holiday gift ideas or just want to show your appreciation for everything a teacher you know has accomplished, you can feel confident in knowing that these items will be put to good use. Namaste.